Orpington Chickens

Breed Rating (63 Reviews)

Appearance
Friendliness
Hardiness
Egg
Garden

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Orpington History

The Black Orpington was created and introduced in 1886 by William Cook. This new hybrid bird was then named after William's residence in Kent. To create the black he crossed it with Minorcas, Plymouth Rock and Langshans. The White Orpington followed 3 years later and was a cross between a White Leghorn and a Black Hamburg and a White Dorking. This was not such a popular colour at the time. The Buff Orpington was introduced later as people wanted a buff coloured bird. The Queen Mother was apparently a keeper of this bird.

Orpington Behaviour

Orpingtons are birds which like to be free range. They have a very strong tendency to go broody and therefore make great mothers. Their eggs are small and pinkish. They are greedy birds and need exercise to keep fit. Their wingspan is short therefore they can be kept in areas with low fences.

Orpington Varieties

The standard colours for an Orpington are black (single or rose comb), blue (laced) buff and white. They are a heavy but loosely feathered bird which makes it look large. The blues and blacks are the largest colours. The buffs and whites are slightly smaller. The dark colours have dark eyes and legs while the paler colours have red eyes and white legs.

Orpington Status

Rare

Orpington Pictures

Juvenile orpington perching on coop roof.

Lavender Orpington chicks which are 8 days old sat on a carpet

A buff orpington free ranging around the garden.

A curious bugg orpington spending time in the garden.

An orpinton chicken sitting on his head!

A buff orpington chicken called Ginger standing on a podium.

A young buff orpington chicken hanging out.

A little burf orpington sitting on my lap.

A flock of buff orpinton chicken sitting together.

fluffy Orpington chickens in a wooden chicken coop

a few chickens lying in the sun on a muddy ground

Orpington For Sale

Please note: All animals listed here are for collection only. They cannot be delivered by the seller or by Omlet. The seller will send you their contact details to arrange payment and collection.

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Latest Reviews For Orpington (5 of 63)

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Based on 63 Verified Reviews

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Sweet natured & looks beautiful - Amanda, Hants, 15 November 2024

I was given my BO when she was 4 & she is nearly 7 now. She was badly bullied initially by my 5 pre existing hybrids Ex commercial girls, who have since died. She has a lovely nature and although now the others have since died, she free ranges our closed in garden, chats softly to us when given tasty treats & comes into the house when she feels like it. I haven’t got other rescues yet as I can’t bear her to be bullied again. She seem’s happy enough.

- Melissa, 26 July 2024

Very friendly hens - Phillis, Hampshire, 14 February 2023

Good garden hens as they are too posh to scratch, they just peck around the in the flower beds and do not create havoc with your special plants. Not great at egg laying, particularly in the winter. Very friendly and good with children. They make ideal pets. Mine lived for nearly 15 years.

- Oliver, 5 November 2020

Buff-orpingtons are my favorite type of chicken we used to have one...but sadly it died These birds are good with goldlines but some other breeds may harm your buff 10/10 review

Very Friendly - Tim, 30 June 2020

Very friendly bird.They always come up to me when I come and give them food. They love dust bathing and huddle up together sometimes.

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Breeder Clubs for Orpington

Buff Orpington Club

Email: phil.boy@virgin.net

Telephone: 01904 468387

Orpington Club

Email: andrew.srichardson@virgin.net

Website: www.theorpingtonclub.co.uk

Telephone: 01995 601772